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If you have just purchased a home or have had a new electrical device installed, then it is wise to contact a professional who can complete a home electrical safety check. These inspections can ensure the electrical safety of the home and there are a few things that the electrician may find during the inspection. Keep reading to learn about a few of them and what they may mean.

Ensure AFCIs Are Working Correctly

If you have outlets in the home that have small "reset" and "test" buttons located on them, then you have AFCI outlets. These outlets are of vital importance when it comes to safety in the home. Unlike regular circuit breakers and other devices, the outlets detect arcing or arc faults. An arc fault occurs when electrical energy surges outside its normal path. This creates an intense release of energy that can cause a fire.

AFCI outlets are most commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms where electrical issues are most likely to cause bodily harm. In the kitchen, this is true if the arc comes into contact with a fuel source like natural gas. In the bathroom, the electrical current may reach a water source, which can lead to electrocution. 

To keep you safe and protected, your electrical inspection will ensure the proper function of the AFCI outlets. This can be completed by pressing the test button. And, if the outlet does not trip, it can be replaced during or after the inspection with the help of your electrician. 

Check Grounding System

A proper grounding system within the home is important to make sure that you are not at risk of a serious electrical hazard. In the event of a major surge of electricity, improper wiring, or damaged wires, the circuit breakers are meant to make sure that your electrical system is turned off. However, there are times with the main breaker in the home or one of the smaller breakers does not work. To make sure that your body does not conduct the surging electricity, something called a grounding system is installed in the home.

And, your electrician will inspect the grounding system to make sure it is present, intact, and that it meets all residential electrical requirements. Typically, the inspection will ensure that a solid copper wire runs from the main electrical box to a grounded rod outside the home. This device is called a grounding electrode and the inspection will ensure wiring to the rod and the rod iteslf are in good shape.

If you want to know more about home electrical safety checks and how to ensure the electrical safety of your home, speak with an electrician.